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Headteacher's Leadership Styles and Organizational Commitment of Teachers in Primary Schools in Bitooma Sub-County, Bushenyi District
Headteacher's Leadership Styles and Organizational Commitment of Teachers in Primary Schools in Bitooma Sub-County, Bushenyi District
net/inosr-arts-and-management/ Apollo et al
*Corresponding Author: Val Hyginus Udoka Eze, udoka.eze@kiu.ac.ug, Department of Publication and
Extension, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka, Uganda (ORCID: 0000-0002-6764-
1721)
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the relationship between leadership styles and teacher commitment in primary schools
within Bitooma Sub-County. Utilizing a sample size of 107 teachers and 8 headteachers, data was collected
through interviews and questionnaires. Results indicate a strong positive correlation between transformational
leadership and teacher commitment, while transactional leadership shows a moderate positive correlation.
Conversely, laissez-faire leadership demonstrates a negative correlation with teacher commitment. Regression
analysis confirms the significant impact of transformational leadership on teacher commitment, highlighting
the importance of leadership style in fostering teacher dedication and retention.
Keywords: Leadership Styles, Teacher Commitment, Transformational Leadership, Transactional Leadership,
Laissez-faire Leadership
INTRODUCTION
Teachers who demonstrate high levels of effort to support the organization's objectives
organizational commitment are invaluable assets [7][8]. They also take on proactive roles as
to educational institutions. They significantly organizational citizens, demonstrating a strong
contribute to the achievement of educational commitment to the organization's objectives [9].
objectives and are associated with increased Committed employees are more inclined to go
productivity, reduced turnover, and a willingness beyond their prescribed roles to deliver high-
to make sacrifices in pursuit of organizational quality services, driven by their passion for
goals [1]. Organizational commitment refers to an excellence and personal satisfaction in achieving
individual's psychological attachment to the superior performance [10].In the field of
organization and their willingness to exert education, the level of organizational commitment
considerable effort to achieve its objectives [2]. among teachers remains a significant concern for
Committed employees are more likely to align educational administrators worldwide as many
with the organization's core values and objectives, teachers exhibit low levels of commitment. In the
leading to enhanced organizational performance United States of America (USA), teacher
[3]. However, there is an ongoing issue regarding commitment is not only evident in their dedication
the level of commitment among teachers in to the school but also in their commitment to the
educational settings. Research has shown that teaching and learning process as a fundamental
highly committed employees have a negative school activity. Research conducted by the
correlation with turnover [4][5][6]. These University of Michigan's Survey Research Centre
employees prioritize organizational goals over suggests that teachers' commitment is associated
personal interests and dedicate additional time and with the fulfillment of basic life needs that are
1
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relevant to their families' daily lives. The literature organizational commitment of teachers across
further suggests that the behavior of school different schools. The key concepts in this study
administrators, who are responsible for fostering were the leadership styles of head teachers
commitment among teachers, has a significant (independent variable) and the organizational
influence on teachers' commitment to schools and commitment of teachers (dependent variable).
their organizational goals [11]. As school leaders, Leadership style is defined as the behavioral
head teachers play a crucial role in enhancing patterns that a leader adopts to influence the
teacher commitment, fostering teamwork, and behavior of subordinates, which may vary
building trust within the school community. In depending on the situation [18]. In this context,
Tanzania, research indicates that teacher leadership styles are conceptualized as the
commitment is crucial for the future of education. different approaches employed by head teachers to
This commitment directly affects teachers' ensure that teachers are well-prepared for their
productivity and competence in utilizing assigned tasks. Leadership styles are categorized
innovation for the benefit of the school and according to the full range of leadership models
students. The Kenyan Education System Inquiry proposed by [22], including transformational,
Commission has emphasized that teachers in transactional, and laissez-faire styles. A
public primary schools often fail to meet expected transformational leadership style aims to inspire
standards due to inadequate leadership. The report both the leader and followers to high moral and
highlights the importance of regular in-service ethical performance through the leader's vision
training as an effective strategy to enhance both and motivation [19-24]. This style is
teacher commitment and leadership styles among characterized by clear task clarification and
school heads. In Uganda, studies have shown that exchange between the leader and followers
teachers' organizational commitment is influenced involving rewards or punishments based on
by various factors, including age group, behavior. In contrast, a laissez-faire leadership
educational attainment, marital status, length of style adopts an avoidance strategy when it comes
service, self-efficacy, and hierarchical position. to assuming responsibility, making decisions, or
Among these factors, age group, highest level of taking action [22]. Organizational commitment
education, single marital status, duration of refers to an employee's psychological connection
service, and self-efficacy were found to be with an organization, demonstrating a willingness
significant positive predictors of commitment. to support and contribute to its objectives in order
However, gender and hierarchical rank did not to maintain their membership within the
show a significant impact. Another study revealed organization [25]. It is characterized by a strong
low levels of commitment among staff, as belief in the organization's values and goals, a
evidenced by frequent strikes, participation in sense of belonging to the organizational
intimidation and threats of violence, delays in community, and an intention to remain with the
marking examinations, and absenteeism. While organization. In this study, organizational
previous studies have linked staff or teacher commitment among teachers is defined as the
commitment to these variables, this study extent to which teachers identify with their
identifies the leadership styles of head teachers, schools, their goals, and their willingness to
particularly in primary schools, as a fundamental continue teaching at these schools. Based on the
factor affecting education in Uganda. This study three-component model proposed by [26],
was framed by the Leader-Member Exchange organizational commitment is categorized into
(LMX) theory proposed by [16], which states that three types: Affective Commitment, which reflects
leaders employ different approaches in managing an employee's emotional attachment to,
subordinates, who may respond differently. identification with, and involvement in the
Consequently, various types of relationships organization; Continuance Commitment, which is
between leaders and subordinates can emerge due related to an employee's recognition of the costs
to constraints on time and resources. Leaders may associated with leaving the organization; and
form special relationships with a subset of Normative Commitment, which refers to an
members within the organization, considered a employee's perceived obligation to remain with the
group receiving more favors, trust, respect, and organization [27]. For the purpose of this study,
benefits. A high-quality leader-member these types of organizational commitment are
relationship benefits not only the leader but also further defined as follows: Affective Commitment -
influences members' attitudes towards the the emotional identification of teachers with the
organization. High-quality member exchange schools where they work; Continuance
relationships are positively associated with Commitment - the inclination of teachers to
organizational commitment and negatively remain in the school, considering the potential
correlated with turnover [17]. This theory is costs of leaving; Normative Commitment - the
particularly relevant to this study as it explains sense of duty or obligation that teachers feel
the type of relationship that should exist between towards remaining in the school. Organizational
leaders and subordinates to foster the commitment in this study will be measured using a
2
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scoring system. The study took place in Bitooma commitment among teachers are positively
Sub-County, Bushenyi District, which consists of correlated with students' academic performance.
eight primary schools with a total of 138 teachers Committed teachers take pride in their
and eight head teachers. In Uganda, there is membership within the school community, value
growing concern that teachers are becoming less the school's objectives and ethos, and consistently
committed to their profession, often leaving strive for excellence in students' academic
teaching roles for better-paying jobs or engaging achievements [28][29]. Despite efforts by head
in income-generating activities, such as trading teachers, parents, and other stakeholders in
small merchandise (Municipal Education Officer Bitooma Sub-County to improve working
Annual Report, 2017). Reports indicate low conditions and remuneration, the organizational
organizational commitment among primary school commitment of primary school teachers remains
teachers in Bitooma Sub-County, resulting in low. This is evidenced by high levels of teacher
reduced time spent on teaching and increased absenteeism, neglect of duties, and a lack of
focus on personal projects (Bushenyi District urgency in serving students [30]. Previous studies
Headteachers Association Annual Report, 2017). have examined the relationship between leadership
Organizational commitment issues are further styles and organizational commitment across
exacerbated when teachers enroll their children in various sectors [31]. However, there is limited
schools other than their place of employment or understanding of the applicability of these findings
exhibit negative behaviors like absenteeism and in the Ugandan context, particularly in Bitooma
neglect of their duties, which undermine Sub-County, Bushenyi District. This study aims to
organizational commitment. Teachers' explore the relationship between leadership styles
commitment to their schools is crucial for and organizational commitment among teachers in
achieving educational goals and enhancing student primary schools in Bitooma Sub-County, Bushenyi
learning outcomes. High levels of organizational District, Uganda.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The research utilized a cross-sectional research allows for the collection of valuable data within a
design to gather data on a specific point in time. short timeframe [32]. By enabling the use of both
This design was chosen for its efficiency, quantitative and qualitative methods, the research
simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, utilizing a gathered the necessary data for both types of
questionnaire survey. The cross-sectional design analysis.
Study Population
The study population consisted of 146 District Education Officer of Bushenyi in 2020.
participants, including 8 head teachers and 138 The breakdown of the population can be found in
teachers in Bushenyi District, as reported by the Table 1.
Table 1: The Number of Teachers in each Primary School in Bitooma Sub-County
Sn Primary Schools Head-Teachers Teachers Total
1 Kayengo P/S 1 13 14
2 Nyamishundo P/S 1 16 17
3 Bubaare P/S 1 19 20
4 Nyanga P/S 1 17 18
5 Rushobe P/S 1 18 19
6 Kakiira P/S 1 17 18
7 Nyampiki P/S 1 15 16
8 Kyamamari P/S 1 23 24
Total 8 138 146
Source: Primary Data, 2023
Sample Size and Determination
The determination of the teachers sample size relied on Slovenes formula:
𝑁
𝑛=
1 + 𝑁 (0.05)2
146 146
𝑛= = = 107
1+146(0.05)2 1.365
A sample of 107 respondents comprising 8 head formula made up the sample. From each school, the
teachers was selected using Purposive sampling sample size was determined proportionately using
and 99 teachers determined using Slovene’s the formula:
3
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4
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questionnaire. Regarding tenure at their respective distribution showed that a significant portion of
schools, the majority of respondents (54.2%) had the respondents had extensive experience within
worked for 1-5 years, followed by 29% with 5-10 their schools, thereby enabling them to offer
years of service, and a smaller percentage of 16.8% dependable insights into the leadership styles of
who had served for 10 years or more. This their head teachers
RESULTS
Analysis of teacher commitment revealed varying encouraged individual growth positively impacting
levels of dedication within Bitooma Sub-County teacher dedication. Transactional leadership, while
primary schools. While the majority of teachers showing a positive correlation with commitment,
expressed satisfaction with their current roles and was not as influential as transformational
demonstrated loyalty to their schools, a notable leadership. Conversely, laissez-faire leadership
proportion indicated a willingness to consider exhibited a detrimental effect on teacher
opportunities elsewhere. Transformational commitment, suggesting that passive or absent
leadership emerged as a significant predictor of leadership styles can undermine teacher morale
teacher commitment, with headteachers who and engagement.
fostered pride, recognized achievements, and
Table 5 presents data on teacher commitment in Mean column shows the average score for each
primary schools in Bitooma Sub-county. It statement. A significant portion of teachers
includes responses indicating Strongly Disagree (40.2%) plan to work for another school within
(SD), Disagree (D), Neither Agree nor Disagree three years.Satisfaction with current work within
(NS), Agree (A), and Strongly Agree (SA). The the school varies, with 45.8% agreeing that their
6
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in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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work gives them satisfaction. A notable would choose to work for another school if they
proportion (33.6%) would consider other job could start over again. Almost half of the teachers
possibilities within the current school. (43.0%) would take an attractive job offer from
Less than half of the teachers (44.9%) see a future another school. A significant majority (66.4%)
for themselves within the school. A considerable feel that the work they are doing is very
number of teachers (29.9%) believe it doesn't important to them. Many teachers (30.8%) have
matter if they work for this school or another. A previously checked out a job in another school.
moderate percentage (30.8%) would definitely
work for the school for the next five years if
given the choice. A substantial portion (40.2%)
Table 6: Investigates the correlation between Transformational leadership and teacher commitment in
Primary Schools located in the Bitooma sub-county
Items SD D NS A SA Mean
My head teacher instills pride in me 5 57 9 1 0.62
.7 .7 3.9 7.8 9.0
My head teacher focuses on my strengths 3 61 7 0 0.70
.8 .6 8.3 5.2 8.0
My head teacher behaves consistently with 1 31 4 7 0.00
values .9 .8 9.0 31.8 4.6
My head teacher clarifies rewards 98 3 3 0 0.26
.4 6.8 0.8 1.5 8.7
My head teacher treats us as individuals 1 11 1 1 2 0.50
0.3 10.3 9.0 9.6 9.9
My head teacher talks about trusting each other 2 85 5 2 0.00
.9 .5 3.4 3.4 9.3
My head teacher talks enthusiastically 4 34 4 9 0.80
.7 .8 1.8 31.8 7.1
My head teacher provides reassurance for 3 30 5 3 0.70
overcoming obstacles .8 .8 7.4 2.7 1.5
7
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in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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Table 6 investigates the correlation between discussing trust, talking enthusiastically,
Transformational Leadership and teacher providing reassurance and encouragement,
commitment in Primary Schools located in the expressing confidence, encouraging idea
Bitooma sub-county. It presents responses to expression and non-traditional thinking,
various items related to leadership behavior, promoting reasoning and development,
ranging from strongly disagree (SD) to strongly recognizing achievements, and rewarding efforts.
agree (SA), with corresponding means. Overall, The mean scores suggest generally favorable
the table indicates positive perceptions of attitudes towards these leadership behaviors,
transformational leadership behaviors among indicating a potential positive correlation with
teachers. These behaviors include instilling pride, teacher commitment in the Bitooma sub-county
focusing on strengths, consistent behavior with primary schools.
values, clarifying rewards, treating individuals,
Table 7: Examine The Relationship Between Transactional Leadership And Commitment Of Teachers
In Primary Schools In Bitooma Sub-County
SD D NS A SA Mean
7
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in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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Table 7 presents the relationship between there's less agreement regarding tracking and
transactional leadership and teacher commitment monitoring of mistakes. Rewards and recognition
in primary schools in Bitooma Sub-County. It also show a mixed response, with some agreement
indicates varying levels of agreement with but also notable disagreement. Overall, the data
statements about how head teachers handle suggests a complex relationship between
various aspects of leadership. For instance, most transactional leadership behaviors and teacher
respondents agree that their head teacher spends commitment in the surveyed schools.
significant time dealing with problems, while
Table 8: Investigate The Relationship Between Laissez-Faire Leadership And Teacher Commitment In
Primary Schools Within The Bitooma Sub-County
SD D NS A SA Mean
My head teacher avoids deciding 5F 6 0 9 0.05
4
2.1
% 4.3 8.7 .4 .7
My head teacher is unavailable when 7F 8 1 7 .90
4
needed 3.3
% 6.8 9.6 .5 .7
My head teacher reacts to problems only if 0F 8 6 0 0 .54
serious 8.0
% 6.8 3.6 9.3 .3
My head teacher reacts to problems only if 9F 0 7 1 8 .32
chronic 6.4
% 8.7 5.2 0.3 .5
My head teacher reacts to failure 7F 7 0 7 6 .98
5.9
% 5.9 37.4 5.9 5.0
My head teacher delays responding to 0F 3 9 9 .05
6
issues 6.7
% 1.5 7.8 .4 .6
My head teacher reacts to problems only 4F 8 5 3 .24
6
when the situation becomes worse 1.1
% 6.8 3.4 12.1 .6
My head teacher avoids involvement 4F 2 5 1 .98
5
0.5
% 0.6 4.0 0.0 .7
1
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Table 8 investigates the relationship between indicating that their head teacher does not only
laissez-faire leadership and teacher commitment in react to chronic problems. "My head teacher reacts
primary schools within the Bitooma Sub-County. to failure": Responses are mixed, with a significant
It assesses various aspects of the head teacher's percentage neither disagreeing nor agreeing. "My
behavior and the corresponding responses from head teacher delays responding to issues": Most
teachers. Each row represents a statement about respondents strongly disagree or disagree with
the head teacher's behavior, with responses this statement, suggesting that their head teacher
ranging from strongly disagree (SD), disagree (D), does not delay responding to issues. "My head
neither disagree nor agree (NS), agree (A), to teacher reacts to problems only when the situation
strongly agree (SA). The table also includes the becomes worse": Most respondents strongly
mean values and percentages of responses for each disagree or disagree with this statement,
statement. "My head teacher avoids deciding": indicating that their head teacher does not only
Most respondents strongly disagree or disagree react when situations worsen. "My head teacher
with this statement, indicating that their head avoids involvement": Responses are mixed, with a
teacher does not avoid making decisions. "My head significant percentage agreeing or strongly
teacher is unavailable when needed": Responses agreeing that their head teacher avoids
are mixed, with a majority indicating involvement. Overall, the data suggests varying
disagreement or neither disagreement nor degrees of laissez-faire leadership behaviors among
agreement. "My head teacher reacts to problems head teachers in the Bitooma Sub-County primary
only if serious": Most respondents disagree with schools, with some aspects being more prevalent
this statement, suggesting that their head teacher than others.
does not only react to serious problems. "My head
teacher reacts to problems only if chronic": Most
respondents disagree with this statement,
9
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Table 9: Correlation Analysis of the Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Commitment of
Teachers
Commitment of Transformational Transactional Laissez-Faire
Teachers Leadership Leadership
Commitment of 1
Teachers
Transformational 0.681** 1
Leadership 0.000
Transactional 0.246** 0.442** 1
Leadership 0.009 0.000
Laissez-Faire -0.391** -0.324** 0.040 1
0.005 0.005 0.699
Table 9 presents correlation coefficients between positive correlation with teacher commitment,
different leadership styles (transformational, though it's weaker than transformational (r =
transactional, and laissez-faire) and teacher 0.246, p < 0.01). Laissez-Faire Leadership
commitment. Transformational Leadership shows exhibits a negative correlation with teacher
a moderately strong positive correlation with commitment (r = -0.391, p < 0.01), indicating
teacher commitment (r = 0.681, p < 0.01). that as laissez-faire leadership increases, teacher
Transactional Leadership also demonstrates a commitment decreases.
Table 10: Regression analysis of Commitment of Teachers on Leadership Styles
Leadership Styles Standardized Coefficients Significance
Beta (β) P
CITE AS: Apollo Batondaine, Tukur Muhamadu, Kamami Wilson, Hassan Amwine, Twesiime
Monica, Eze Chidinma Esther and Val Hyginus Udoka Eze (2024). Headteacher's Leadership
Styles and Organizational Commitment of Teachers in Primary Schools in Bitooma Sub-County,
Bushenyi District. INOSR ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 10(1): 1-16.
https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAM/2024/101.1160
16
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(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction
in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.